Are we witnessing an event that hasn't happened on this scale since circa the 1930-40's?

That would be a mass brainwashing. The right wing political machine has done a number on it's constituents and hangers on haven't they? They've convinced a large number of them that Obama isn't eligible to hold office as POTUS, they've convinced a large number of them that he is a racist, a Muslim and his only intent for this country is to destroy it. I am utterly dumbfounded that so many have allowed themselves to be used and not realize it. Does anyone else wonder what's happened to our populace that it's been so easily twisted at the whim of the "powers that be"?